Diarrhea (Dysentery)

Diarrhea, especially when severe and accompanied by mucus or blood in the stool, is referred to as dysentery. This condition involves frequent, loose, and watery bowel movements often paired with abdominal discomfort, fever, and dehydration. If left untreated, it can result in serious complications like malnutrition and severe dehydration. Timely diarrhea treatment in Mumbai is essential for managing symptoms and addressing underlying infections caused by pathogens like Shigella, Salmonella, or Entamoeba histolytica. Dysentery typically spreads through contaminated food, water, or close contact with infected individuals, particularly in areas with inadequate sanitation. Seeking care at a diarrhea hospital near me ensures proper diagnosis and effective treatment to prevent further health complications and promote a speedy recovery.

What is Diarrhea (Dysentery)?

Diarrhoea, also known as dysentery when there is the presence of mucus or blood in the stool it is a condition that is marked by frequent and loose and liquid stool movements. Dysentery is a specific intestinal infection that can cause severe diarrhea. frequently associated with discomfort in the abdomen, fever and dehydration. It may be caused by viral, bacterial or parasitic diseases, and, in the most severe instances, it may result in complications like malnutrition, dehydration and even death if left untreated.

How does Diarrhea (Dysentery) Occur?

Diarrhea (Dysentery) usually occurs when the digestive tract becomes affected or irritated by pathogens such as bacteria (e.g., Shigella, Salmonella, Escherichia coli) and viruses (e.g. the rotavirus norovirus) as well as organisms (e.g., Entamoeba histolytica). These pathogens can be transmitted by contaminated food or water or through contact with people who are infected. Dysentery is a condition that results in inflammation of the intestines, which can cause frequent and painful stool movements. Unclean water, poor sanitation and inadequate food handling are all common causes.

How Common is Diarrhea (Dysentery)?

Diarrhea is among the most prevalent causes of death and sickness all over the world, with a particular focus on countries of low income with poor sanitation and insufficient health care. Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) the incidence of diarrhea is about 1.7 million deaths per year which includes the majority of children aged less than five. Dysentery is a particular issue. It is prevalent in areas that have poor access to clean water, poor sanitation facilities and bad hygiene methods. Although it affects everyone of any age but children and older people are more susceptible to complications from dehydration.

Symptoms

The signs that accompany diarrhea (dysentery) may vary based upon the degree of illness and the root reason. The most common symptoms are:

Frequent, loose or watery stools (diarrhea)
Mucus and blood are present from the stool (in dysentery)
Cramps and abdominal pain
Chest and fever
Nausea and vomiting
Dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, reduced urine output)
Insomnia and fatigue
Appetite loss
Tenesmus and urgency in the rectal (a feeling of insufficient stool movement)

In the most severe instances malnutrition and dehydration may be the result, particularly in children as young as older.

Treatment

Diarrhea treatment (dysentery) is dependent on the cause of the problem and severity of symptoms. In general, treatment includes:

Hydration :- Replenishing the loss of electrolytes and fluids is vital in order to prevent dehydration. Oral Rehydration salts (ORS) or intravenous fluids are utilized to ensure that the body is hydrated.
Antibiotics :- In the event that diarrhea is due to bacteria (e.g., Shigella, Salmonella) Antibiotics can be prescribed.
Antiparasitic medicines :- For parasitic diseases like ones resulted due to Entamoeba histolytica antiparasitic medicines might be required.
Antiviral medicines :- For viral infections, supportive treatment is often provided, since antibiotics are not effective against viruses.
Treatment of symptoms :- pain relievers as well as anti-nausea medicines, and diarrhoeal medicines (e.g. the loperamide) can be used to alleviate symptoms, however they are not advised for people suffering from dysentery due to the possibility of slowing elimination of the toxins.
Hospitalization :- in extreme cases of dehydration, or other complications, hospitalization and more intense treatments might be necessary, particularly for patients with a chronic illness, elderly people or those who have weak immune systems.